by Mark Smiley
Bacon: The Keystone Bacon and Bourbon Festival celebrated its 13th year in June, 2024.
The 2024 Keystone Bacon and Bourbon Festival brought a dozen different food vendors, alongside four bacon companies, and 15 bourbon and spirits attendees to the mountains. Pairing with all this bourbon and bacon, guests were treated to an impressive band line-up. Twelve rock bands played over the festival weekend including Summit’s own CB3 and O’Connor Brothers Band, the world’s premier KISS Tribute Band STRUTTER, and the Bacon and Bourbon Festival staple AC/DC tribute band Hell’s Belles. In total there were three festival stages placed throughout River Run Village.
This year, the festival featured more bacon, bourbon, and beer than in years previous. More partners joined the bourbon tour tradition with 15 bourbon suppliers showcasing numerous brands for Hungry Hog ticket purchasers to enjoy. Local mountain man, Bacon Bill, made his debut heading up the event’s kid-centric Camp Bacon.
“After 13 years of a festival you’d think it may be tough coming up with new ideas.” says Maja Russer, Director of Events and Marketing for the Keystone Neighbourhood 
Company. “The highly creative events and marketing team at the Keystone Neighbourhood Company sat in a room and threw every idea at the wall. The new Harley the Hog mechanical pig, as well as a revamped Camp Bacon were just two of the many items that will make the weekend all about the bacon. A 2023 Festival guest provided feedback in a survey saying, quote: “Draw in the crazies, draw in the committed. Blow me away with bacon.” We are doing our best to fulfill this guest’s and many more enthusiasts’ visions.”
Hell’s Belles: The all-female AC/DC tribute band Hell’s Belles closed the fest with an over 90 minute show that had the crowd dancing and singing the entire time.
The 13th Bacon and Bourbon Festival supports the Colorado mountain community by featuring local businesses, restaurants, and supporting the non-profit Friends of the Dillon Ranger District, the Festival’s beneficiary. For 2024, organizers are working with another prominent community partner, Climax Molybdenum, who this year is helping to power the entire summer festival series volunteer base.
Upcoming festivals in River Run Village include Bluegrass & Beer, August 3-4, 2024; Mountain Town Music Fest, August 17, 2024; and Oktoberfest, August 31, 2024. Visit www.keystonefestivals.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
Photos from KNC Events
